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Dear Oaklyn Consulting,
I’m thinking about selling my business, but I’m not sure where to start or who to talk to. I hear the term “investment banker” a lot, but I’m not sure what firms like Oaklyn Consulting actually do, or whether I even need an investment banker for my company’s size and situation. How is working with Oaklyn different from getting a broker, a lawyer or an accountant? What questions should I ask to figure out which service fits my needs?
From Oaklyn Consulting
Deciding to sell a business is a big step, so it’s completely natural to be unsure about whether you need assistance from an investment banker or someone else entirely. The term “investment banker” probably brings to mind high-stakes Wall Street deals, but what we do at Oaklyn Consulting is on a much more small-scale, personalized level.
Investment bankers typically assist business owners who already have an end goal in mind (such as a merger or acquisition) and may already have begun initial conversations with a counterparty. We start by helping clients consider all their options, which may not even include a sale. If that’s the chosen course of action, we can identify suitable buyers (including some who might not be obvious choices), thoroughly prepare and, finally, help negotiate the best outcome for all stakeholders.
How is this different from a broker, lawyer or accountant? Brokers generally focus on quick transactions generated from listings, while attorneys and accountants play important supporting roles but don’t specialize in strategic guidance. At Oaklyn, we work alongside these professionals but act as a project manager, providing thoughtful, objective assistance wherever needed.
To figure out what’s right for your situation, try asking:
- Do I need a process runner or someone to help me understand my full set of options first?
- What risks or unknowns am I most concerned about?
- What outcome do I really want for myself, my family and my employees?
Whether or not selling is the right answer, we’ll help you fully explore your options so that you’ll feel confident with whatever path you choose for the future of your business.
